Gettysburg Sculptures
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Gettysburg Sculptures
United States
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Featured Monument:
Brigadier General John Buford Bronze Monument
by sculptor James E. Kelly
Located on the North side of the Chambersburg Pike at the intersection with Stone Avenue. (see Google map link at bottom of page)
(hover over the lower right corner of photo and a magnifying glass icon will appear. Click on the icon to enlarge the photo)
Brig. - General John Buford Monument
Dedicated: July 1, 1895
Sculptor of the statue: James E. Kelly
Cast by: Henry-Bonnard Bronze Company
The heroic actions by Buford at Gettysburg are well documented. His quick action and determination would pay off. The monument displays this persistence. However, Buford would die December 16, 1863 less than six months after the battle at Gettysburg of typhoid. He would never enjoy the laurels of victory he helped secure.
While Kelly was sculpting the clay of Buford, he felt he had presented a correct likeness of the General but said he could not "feel" the sort of man Buford was. An old soldier came into Kelly's studio and commented "Buford was of Southern blood, you know. He had little hands and feet, and was proud of 'em, but the rest of his dress - slack!"
A confident but concerned Buford looks westward toward Herr Ridge. Buford watched as his cavalry troops had slowly fallen back under an increasing southern attack. 
Kelly's attention to details includes the holster and the binocular case. Since Buford is holding his binoculars, Kelly left the closing strap on the case loose.
In the above photo Kelly sculpted the binoculars with the eyes piece extended. Buford was looking in the distance at advancing southern troops.
Also, Buford wears an M-1860 light cavalry saber. This was the most common saber carried by civil war cavalrymen.
Buford has a firm grasp on his binoculars.
Above is a photo of an original pair of Civil War Galilean binoculars. These are the type used by Civil War officers. Compare the original to Kelly's sculpted pair held by Buford.
Note the slight creases in the gauntlet near the knuckles of the fingers. These subtle details, often overlooked, are what make these bronzes lifelike. 
A brass spur with leather strap and detailed rowel adorn the boot of Buford.
The grave of General John Buford located in the West Point Cemetery, United States Military Academy.
Gettysburg Sculptures
United States